Local MP, Maria Miller, welcomed Borough Council plans for more Biodiversity Improvement Zones (BIZ) in Basingstoke.
Maria said: “It is great to see the Council expanding schemes which seek to improve our local environment, as part of their Climate Change and Air Quality Strategy. Having run the BIZ for two consecutive years, Council surveys show that the sites in Hatch Warren and Beggarwood (pictured) have seen more species for the second year in a row.
“This latest survey demonstrates the positive impact of the project, and I welcome this ongoing emphasis on preserving and improving Basingstoke’s natural environment.”
The Hatch Warren and Beggarwood BIZ has been run by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council since 2020. During this time, the areas have been cut differently and regularly monitored to improve habitats for wildlife and flora and create green corridors for wildlife to travel from one area to another.
A total of 213 grasses and wildflower species were recorded across eight verges and open spaces, an increase of 34 per cent on the previous year, and 135 invertebrates species including butterflies, bees, spiders and wasps.
The Hatch Warren and Beggarwood project will continue throughout 2022, with the verges being cut back in the spring to help encourage new growth and create suitable habitats for the more delicate flowers and plants.
Further details about the project can be found on the Council's website:
https://www.basingstoke.gov.uk/hatchwarren-and-beggarwood-biz